Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

The front door switches will not turn off the under-dash courtesy lamps. I checked the switches with an ohm meter and they are working. I'm using the #82 bulb that the owner's manual calls for. The lamps burn all the time, whether the doors are open or closed. The rear dome light works properly when a rear door is opened, goes off when it closes. It also works with the switch on the post between the doors. It is a front-only problem, it seems. The '46-'50 service manual is no help. Does anyone have an idea of what I'm not finding?

Thanks,

Steve

The lights are probably overridden by the instrument panel dimmer switch. Or in some years and. models you have a map light switch which activates the courtesy lights and overrides the door pillar switch. Check your owner's manual to see which applies to your car.

Map lite switch on 22-23 series is parallel with door switches and is most likely keeping the lights on. If the switch is not on or has no effect look for a shorted wire touching ground going to the map switch or to one of the door switches.

Omigosh! I haven't owned one of these 22-23 series cars since about 1977. I forgot completely about that map light switch. I'll check it out tomorrow. Bet that's the problem. Thanks, guys.

Came out to the shop this morning and pushed the maplight switch once, closed the door and the lights went off. Feeling now as though I'm in line for a Darwin Award.

Thanks for the help, fellows.

Don't feel so bad , it is hard to tell when these switches are on or off. I always check the head lights to be sure they are off.

That's not even a honorable mention for a Darwin award. Lights were on, but no one was home applies maybe...